Technical Abstract:
Distinct cytokine release profiles by antigen specific T lymphocytes have been used to define Th1 and Th2 helper T lymphocyte profiles in various species. The Th1 subset is characterized by the release of IL-2 and gamma-interferon. The Th2 subset is defined by the release of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 and the pluripotent Tho subset can secrete all or any of these cytokines. The dominance of either the Th1 or Th2 subset during an immune response can have a distinct effect upon the type of immunity which subsequently develops. Indeed it is likely that a transient dominance in one Th cell subset could profoundly affect the type of immune response that develops. Such transient dominance of T cell subsets may account for the effects of different adjuvants upon a developing immune response. We have several model systems with different adjuvants and model antigens in place in swine with which to evaluate this concept. Using the various reagents and techniques we have developed we determined the cytokine release profiles of antigen specific, activated porcine lymphocytes. Cytokine release profiles were rapidly defined from extracted RNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification techniques with primers specific for IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and gamma-interferon When necessary, cytokine release profiles were confirmed with a variety of cytokine specific monoclonal antibodies using ELISA and western blotting techniques. Using these techniques we were able to evaluate the cytokine release profiles of antigen specific lymphocytes from draining lymph nodes and peripheral blood at various times after immunization or infection. Results of ongoing studies which compare such cytokine release profiles after distinct immunization regimes with the same antigen will be presented